inspirations
By Minister Mary Edwards The unemployment rate
today has skyrocketed to ap- proximately 10% and is fore- casted to stay above 9.5 per- cent for the rest of 2010. For the first time in American his- tory, more women are working than men because close to 80 percent of the people laid off in the recent recession were men.
According to a recent study
published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, un- employment is a major risk factor for depression, even in people without previous vul- nerability. So, my friends, if you are feeling broke, busted and disgusted, this message is for you. Here are some sug- gested “depression busters” for the unemployed.
1) Take a Breather —
Whether you like it or not, here’s a chance to catch your breath. And while you are at it, think about all of the things you disliked about your job. Make a list. Hopefully, this will make you feel a little better.
2) Identify Symptoms
— According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression affects 6 million men each year. But most men’s depression goes undi- agnosed. Women will cry and let it all hang out. But men are much less likely to seek help because of their need to feel macho. Plus, their symp- toms are different from those of women. It’s helpful to look out for these clues of male depression:
anger, blaming others, alco- hol and drug abuse, feeling ashamed, insomnia or sleep- ing too little, strong fear of failure, using TV, sports, and sex to self-medicate.
3) Get to work — You
may have lost your job. But your new job is to look for a job. Polish up your résumé. Go on the Internet. Let every- one know you are looking for
THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE
Are you feeling broke, busted and disgusted?
Show your face in the place! 7) Keep a Schedule
— Even though things have changed, our brain and body still need routine. We thrive on routine. Think of yourself “working from home.” Then structure your day as such. For example, work out in the morning, make some calls after you get back, eat an in- expensive lunch, follow up on some leads during the after- noon. You can still be produc- tive.
8) Watch Your Thoughts Mary Edwards
work. Push past the embar- rassment. You are not alone. Consider looking for some- thing outside of your current profession. Perhaps it’s time to start your own business.
4) Get Up! — If you do
nothing else with your down time, at least begin a health plan and start working out. You will benefit enormously from the antidepressant ef- fects of exercise. Work off that stress.
5) Budget — I know, I irritability and
know. Many of us didn’t like this word, even during good times. But now more than ever before we need to cut out all expenses that aren’t absolute- ly necessary: Starbucks coffee, a landline phone number that you don’t use, a cleaning lady or gardening services, and cable, to name a few. I had “cable withdrawn” symptoms when I had mine disconnect- ed, but I survived. And so will you. Plus, plan your menu. Come up with some healthy but cost-cutting dinners.
6) Connect With Others —
Don’t isolate yourself. Get out of bed. Get out of the house. Get with folks. Consider find- ing a part-time job and doing some volunteer work while you are seeking new employ- ment. Volunteer positions can turn into paid opportunities.
—One negative thought builds on another, and before we know it, we are having a panic attack. As soon as you realize this is happening, tell your- self, “This, too, shall pass.” It will, if you can focus on the light at the end of the tunnel.
9) Become Useful — Look
around the house, the church, the community. There’s still so much that can be done. Brainstorming for ways you can be useful outside of a job is definitely a mood booster.
10) Keep Hope Alive — I
must end with hope because hope is the ultimate stress reducer. Hope, doctors say, is about the best thing we can do for our body. So remember, even though you might feel lost and disillusioned, with no path or direction visible to your eyes, it’s definitely true that “When one door closes, another one opens.” I’ve seen it happen over and over again. So, I say to you, “Keep the faith.”
Minister Mary Edwards is
a former family life counselor at Joy of Jesus Ministries in Detroit. She currently serves widows in her Widows With Wisdom organization (www.
widowswithwisdom.org). Ed- wards is a book coach and editor
(www.leavesofgold-
consulting.com). She can be reached at (313) 330-4490 and
edwardsmd@sbcglobal.net.
Stinson
July 28-Aug. 3, 2010
Bethel Baptist Church, East celebrates 90th anniversary
Bethel Baptist Church,
East is celebrating its 90th an- niversary during the month of August. This is a great mile- stone as the church focuses on the anniversary theme “Preach, Teach and Reach Ministry-Minded Church, 90 years serving Christ to fulfill the Great Commission.” (Mat- thew 28:19,20 and Philippians 2:5.)
Events will include a Com-
munity Gospel Fest on Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. It will feature local choirs, food, ac- tivities, health screening and more. Admission is free.
There will also be a home-
coming choir reunion concert on Saturday, Aug. 21, at 6 p.m. Anniversary worship ser- vices will take place Sunday through Thursday, Aug. 22-26,
featuring various preachers proclaiming the Word of God. An anniversary banquet will culminate this gala celebra- tion in September.
All events and services
will be held at Bethel Baptist Church, East, 5715 Holcomb at Chapin. Dr. Michael Andrew Owens is pastor.
For further information, call (313) 923-3060.
Page B-7
PICTURED (from left) are Deacon Board Chair Clarence Willis, Deacon Larry Genus, honoree Pastor Valmon D. Stotts, First Lady Ethel J. Stotts, O’Neil D. Swanson, president and CEO, Swanson Funeral Homes Inc.; and trustee Hugh Williams.
PICTURED at the event are Joann Jones, Deacon Clarence Willis, Valerie Stotts Morgan, Gloria Killebrew, trustee Hugh Williams, trustee Connie Williams, Deacon Reginald Ellis, J.D. Killebrew, Rev. Abe Kincannon, Deacon Willie Stokes, Deacon Joseph Harper and Deacon Larry Genus.
The Rev. Valmon D. and Sister Ethel J. Stotts
along with the Unity Baptist Church family cel- ebrated the renaming of Tireman Avenue (Liv-
Rev. Stott honored Raindrop Deliverance Des-
tiny Church is hosting a free Flames of Fire Leadership Conference at The Bible House (Madonna University) in Livo- nia, Aug. 6-8. The conference will start at 7 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. on Saturday.
Come and get the Holy
Ghost Fire of God on your body to be a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. Bring your sick children and parents and have them prayed for. Over- comer speakers are coming from New York, Maryland, the Detroit area and India. Part- ner with Raindrop Deliverance Destiny Church. Let the De-
Advertise 313-963-5522
troit revivals start now! For more information visit
ernois to Wyoming) to Rev. Valmon D. Stotts on June 13.
Raindrop Deliverance Destiny Church hosting leadership conference
www.rainusa.org or call Rev. Dr. Leonard Cheeseborough at (248) 752-0500.
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